Positive Female Role Models In Snow Sports- Ladies To Love, Look Up To And Those Who Empower Freeriders Of All Ages!

Be powerful, be bold, empower others and lead the way. That’s how it should be within the sporting world. I want to see strong ladies paving the way for others. The sporting industry is a mess at the moment, we have sports brands employing models to advertise fitness gear, we have less televised coverage of major sporting events not even to mention the lesser known events where women are involved. The constraints are the same in the snow sports world as well. Thankfully, incredible ladies like some of the lasses mentioned below are finally getting the recognition they deserve, largely through the medium of social media. Social media has helped these ladies inspire girls like me, I look up to them, I am EXTREMELY lucky to know some of them, to have ridden with them and get to learn from them first hand.

The whole essence of empowering other women, like me, or younger girls looking up to snow sports rider who for some, are the sports stars of their lives, akin to how some may idolize footballers for example- is we get that pang of excitement when we see their new post on Instagram, we want to know what they are up too and we see how they portray themselves and how they inspire other women, showing us what we can aspire to be. These women are my inspiration, they are some real bad-ass babes and I highly recommend, you start following them too!

This Italian babe is as smart as she is strong. Arianna is THE PERFECT balance in how you can pursue your passion in sport and in education. Now a qualified Physio AND a fully fledged rider on the freeride world tour, she is totally killing it. She shows us how we can perfect the work life balance to achieve everything we want in life- NOTHING HAS TO SUFFER, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. Having just signed another 2 yr contract with Scott, I can’t wait what this bad ass skier babe does next. FOLLOW HER HERE

Not the first time I have paid tribute to this epic babe! Kjersti Buaas is a real hero of mine. She is the epitome of zen, balancing a love for yoga and the outdoors with the continual pushing of boundaries in snowboarding. From park to the back country, she is truly incredible. Kjersti rides with power and grace and she is all about the good karma. Kjersti is strong, strong in mind and body, this comes from a genuine connection with the earth through yoga and exploring nature- this is a really special match. You can’t help but feel good about life when you follow her. Traveling the world with her own brand of effortless cool! Follow her here!

Marte is the queen of Scandi cool, this Norwegian babe is a rising star and I could not be more proud of her. Everytime I head to her insta I am taken aback by the brilliant stuff she is doing! I am so lucky to know and love this lady, having ridden with her many a time, I know that she will continue to do bigger and better things. Demonstrating how girls can be just as daring, adventurous and boisterous as any male rider. She rips on and off her skis, she is sweet and just a genuinely lovely person. Follow her here!

Okay, I may be total bias as she is one of my besties but you know what NO, Annika deserve EVERY bit of recognition she deserves. From just skiing around for the sheer love of skiing and freeriding to now pushing herself to the limits, showing the world what she is up to through her Instagram and her blog; Annika is up and coming! I see big things on the horizon for her, considering that Annika embodies the skier girl attitude. She is all about encouraging and pushing the ladies around her, helping my friends and I strive to go bigger and do better. Annika is always improving and she is a real force to be reckoned with! Such a strong rider. I cannot wait to head to Japan with this babe, together I know we can conquer ANY ADVENTURE. Sleeves up, ski boots on and we can head for the horizon. Follow her here!

Mirte is WANDERLUST! Following her is exactly what you need to see on a boring Monday. When I am home working in the down season, I look to Mirte for inspiration on how one can turn their passion into a career. From her love of ski mountaineering, touring, a general passion for the outdoors and adventure, paired with a genuine skill in photography and content production, Mirte has built a social media profile to rival the big names like @roundtheworldgirl or @erinoutdoors. Having spent time with Mirte, listened to her ideas and worked with her, I know she practice what she preaches. It’s this level of integrity and authenticity that make for a really inspirational person. Follow her here.

Jackie is an idol of mine. Whenever we have correspondents through blogging or article writing, I always blush a little as she is just the most down to earth and genuine person. I remember when I first saw Jackie taking part in an audition in the film “Game Of Gnar” I know she was an incredible spirit. A rider that shredz with strength, endurance and fearlessness, watching her in the FWT is a real inspiration. With a deep affiliation to the outdoors, traveling the world along side her bae, the legend that is Reine Barkered we see some amazing stuff from Jackie. Not to mention is is championing mountain safety with her involvement with “SAFE AS” Clinics!

WHAT. A .HERO! Alexa IS girl power and it’s awesome to see. Again its not the first time I’ve paid tribute to this mega babe but Alexa needs more people shouting about her! Creator of the epic blog “Still Stoked“, Alexa is calling the industry out on it’s bullshit, she praises achievement, spreads the love and over all inspires women from surf to snow! If you have ever felt frustrated about the snow sports world or the fitness industry, Alexa will no doubt have taken your exact thoughts and written about it on her fiercely popular blog! I watch this lady like a hawk and I am always stoked to see what she comes out with! Be strong and confident, that’s what she teaches us! Follow her her.

MASSIVE GIRL CRUSH ALERT! I knew Sian 6 years ago when we did our very first season in Cervinia and since then she has gone to do some amazing things in the outdoors and adventure world. Not just snow sports but if you want inspiration about traveling, lifestyle and how to be confident and happy in your own skin, Sian is the girl to follow! She is a bad ass journalist, writing for The Independent and the BBC as well as her killer personal blog, aptly named “The Girl Outdoors”, Sian is killing it. Sian talks about all the nuances of adventure travel for girls, the good, the bad and the ugly, inspiring and motivating. Get out there, get back to nature and enjoy being you! Follow her here.

So there you have it, a short list of some of the most amazing lasses out there, (well in my opinion) but I highly recommend you follow them, listen to them, read all the material they put out there and let girls that are really JUST LIKE YOU-empower you to be the best version of yourself. No matter how low you may be feeling or how disgruntled you are about the images you are used to seeing, these ladies will restore your faith in #GirlPower!

Okay okay, it will be a shameless sales pitch for my favorite goggles but either you’re on here because you’re my friend and you are being supportive which is awesome! Very much appreciated OR you want a genuine recommendation from someone who puts there goggles and sunnies through A LOT OF STRESS, WEAR AND TEAR. I have never been one of those who keeps there goggles in the box, looks after them like a piece of gold, no, I am more like throw them around, drop them on the floor and generally being a terrible owner!

In previous years I have gone through one or two pairs a season, a cost that I simply couldn’t keep up with. I thought I had hit the jackpot when I finally got myself a pair of the magnetized Anon goggles but they turned out to be just like the rest. I mean it was hella cool that the lenses simply popped on and off and they were very user friendly but at the end of the day, I have the same issue with every pair I own- rather embarrassingly, I HAVE THE HOTTEST, SWEATIEST FACE EVER!

It’s the same vicious circle, hiking or riding in the back country, getting a hot face, the goggles steam up, I try to let them cool down, they don’t, I panic and end up touching the inside. My own fault I know but when you are at the top of a run in the middle of nowhere or worse, at the start gate of a comp (which has happened 4 times), I’ve had no choice but to clean the inside with a goggle cloth. However after a while, this cleans the anti fog coating from the inside and you end up with damaged goggles.

However, here comes the plug, my SunGods have been my trusty back country companion for the entire season. I personally think it’s the bigger the better for goggles and the Custom Revolt model is perfection! Not only that but the goggles stay cool and dry for every adventure, from piste cruising to back country shredz, I am totally over the moon with the models! The Custom Classic glasses are totally cute too, plus they are study, durable and can take a beating too- specially when they are on and off, shoved in a package, taken on numerous crazy adventures and still help protect your eyes and look effortlessly cool!

It’s worth mentioning that SunGods are really cost effective, not as pricey as other models on the market but still performing really well! I have a 20% off code coming for you guys really soon so keep checking my FB and Insta and you could pick up the goggles and sunnies with a huge 20% off! CLICK HERE TO SHOP

In the mean time, you stay classy and let me know what your plans are for the winter, if you need any help or advice, I am here for ya!

Where the bloody hell have I been? Good question. Where have I been? I haven’t updated the blog in forever and I am so sorry about that. The last couple of months have been crazy. It’s one of those weird situations where you’re really busy with a load of things to do but also not doing too much of huge value. I have some REALLY exciting projects coming up and lots to share.

So here is a quick fire update of what I got up too in March (I was filming for 2 weeks but there will be a separate blog about that as it’s just too exciting not to share in more detail) and April.

Gaper Day

Gaper day was hilarious! I organise gaper day every winter and it always turns out to be one of the funniest and best days of the season. We are talking daytime drinking, fancy dress, terrible games and generally ruining a lovely day on the mountain for everyone else. With such a big seasonnaire group in Cervinia, we always get a turn out of around 50 or 60 people and it rocks! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, give this video a watch. . . .

Work

I have been working like crazy to keep them dolla dolla bills rolling in. It’s a tough one, I don’t make loads of money from snowboarding, sponsors and brands pay me for content every now and again but not enough to live on. However, I do have something really incredible on the back burner that I am itching to tell you about. Some friends of mine approached me about an exciting venture and I literally couldn’t wait to be involved. A blog will be coming in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Rolling with the girls

I am so “blessed” (got I sound so basic saying that.) to be surrounded by a group of bad ass kweens! Sick to ride with and even better to be friends with. I have had some amazing days shredding up the sh** f***k conditions in Cervinia with the gals. They have taught me things about the mountain and about myself and I feel very happy to be making future pals with these bunch of crazies.

Planning

Next winter has some incredible plans in the pipeline. Annika, you know Annika from me fangirling her on social media, well, Annika, Viktor and I will be heading to Hakuba in January and it is going to be AMAZE! Hakuba is our destination of choice and we will be joining forces with a load of other talented riders to rip it up in Hakuba. We will be there for the FWT 2* and 4* and we will apply when the registration opens in November, whether we are selected or not, for sure we will be enjoying the enviable conditions there, waist deep powder and squad goals.

So that brings up to date, well kinda. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing blogs with you from my time filming in March, our Canyoning adventure in April and product reviews to help you select your equipment for next season!

I hope everyone is doing well. So training for Verbier Freeride Week in well underway and this year I want to keep the focus on over all health and well-being. Don’t get me wrong, being vegan in the Alps is tough but it can be done with a little dedication and some inside secrets.

I have one secret weapon that has really helped me start the day off in the best way possible. Strippd Vegan Protein is absolutely delicious and I am so stoked to be working with them to spread the word about the wonders of the products. In a balanced plant-based lifestyle, you get everything you need from natural products and I certainly, stick by the concept that we should ingest the most simple and nutritionally dense meals. That’s why, when I spotted these guys on Insta I was instantly drawn in. This is what they had to say. . . .

“STRIPPD is a new range of premium Whey and Vegan protein powders and supplements that are designed especially for women. Created to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle STRIPPD products can help women of all ages improve their overall wellbeing, boost their energy and vitality, strengthen their muscles and bones and nourish their skin, hair and nails!”

Their philosophy about body image and health is absolutely spot on. . . .”The key to maintaining wellness is ensuring everything you put into your body serves you well. The STRIPPD range utilises nutritional super ingredients like yerba mate – a South American plant extract, natural caﬀeine and immune booster that can also take the edge off hunger and help keep you trim. The all-natural powders contain just five ingredients meaning you know exactly what you’re putting into your body to ensure you get the most out of it.”

I stick by a few simple tips that I wanted to share them with you.

Smoothies are the best way to start the day. I am not talking a skinny girl smoothie, I am talking a no holes bared, nutritious and deliciously packed smoothie. I go for a few different combos but my top 2 are: 1, Stippd Protein (my fave is chocolate) with one or two bananas depending how hungry I am, cacao powder, almond milk and Chia seeds. It’s thick and keeps you going until lunch (plus chia seeds are naturally gelatinous, that help flush toxins from the body). Bare in mind this is my pre workout smoothie, it gives you energy so make the most of it, ski, snowboard or head for some activity! 2, Green smoothie with one large granny smith apple, 1 kiwi, a 3inch cut of cucumber, wheatgrass powder, macha powder and coconut milk. You can feel this smoothie doing you the world of good and it’s awesome!

Stock up on root vegetables. It worth it for me to drive an hour down the mountain to head to Aosta as there are some incredible supermarkets where the variety of fruits and veggies is almost like at home. I like to batch make soup on a windy and cold afternoon, a little bit of culinary therapy is really relaxing for me. I loved my latest concoction of beetroot and potato soup; Its warming and really good for you. Try something like parsnip and sweet potato or carrot too!

Mountain snacks!- I learnt a killer recipe from my pals of raw vegan flapjacks that keep really well and make the best mountain treats. In a bowl, I place the Strippd lean protein, ground coconut, cacao powder, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and add nuts or raisins if you like. Once you have thick paste you can squash it all into greased tubawear and cut into slices. Just imagine-mid cable car, everyone is starving for an energy boost and you bust out this absolutely mouth-watering treat and help get your friends once step closer to the reality that vegan eating is just amaze balls!

If anyone EVER has any questions about a plant-based lifestyle while working out regularly, please DON’T hesitate to message me on the socials! I would love to chat, swap stories and keep each other motivated.

Long time no speak, So sorry for sucking with the blog as of late. I know I have been absolutely useless with letting you know what I am up too and talking though the issues of the world!

Not to worry as I am totally back on it, I have some blogs stock piled and ready to go in the run up to Christmas. But until then, I need your help! My blog has been selected to be shortlisted for the Trespass Blog Awards! All you have today, is head online, following the link http://www.trespass.com/blog-awards-nominations.

Stay tuned for tomorrow and I will be bringing you an update on filming and being back in the mountains.

I am so excited for this event. It’s literally going to be amazing. It’s pretty much the only thing that is going to help us get our pre-season stoke on. No matter where you are in the UK, get your cheeky off-peak train booked and let’s make this an unforgettable night.

So what am I banging on about I hear you say? Well, it’s only the best freeski film event ever! Imagine it: beer, popcorn, snowsports athletes, the big screen and ridiculously cool vibes all in one room- well then there you have the Internation Freeski Film Festival!

Offically- Fatmap Presents The International Freeski Film Festival; Fatmap will for sure be putting on a show! They invited me along to run their Instagram so I will be going utterly snap mad; interviewing the athletes, catching a glimpse at some of the best freeski releases and getting up close and personal we the good people of Landan town!Be the first to see the movies on the big screen, meet the athletes, check out our sponsors stalls, win prizes in the raffle & even get snowed on!

After all of that, we have the apres ski! Courtesy of Snowboxx, you just know the after party is going to go off!
Tickets include access to our onsite after party hosted by Snowboxx festival with a host of alpine drinks, Dogtown hot dogs, magician, apres ski DJs, live sax player, shot skis & beer pong

I am so tired. I thought I would be totally fine working without a day off for 7/8 Months but it’s officially hit me. It will all slow down in October as I finish helping my parents out at their business and I will just be working with the charity and a few other social media jobs which I will say I LOVE. I am not for one second suggesting I don’t want to be doing what I’m doing, I am so lucky so work with some amazing brands helping with them get their message out to the world and I am so stoked to keep working with them until the cows come home.

BUT

I am hearing that call of the mountains. It’s literally all I hear day in day out. The other day- This is the most bitch ass story every- I saw a really cool photo of the Matterhorn and I CRIED LIKE A LITTLE BABY! Not one sorry trickle down my check while listening to cold play “Fix You”, nah, it was full blown tears.

Being home has taught me so much about myself, I have not spent this much time in the UK since I was 17 and that was 7 years ago. I am driving my parents mad but I have loved being with them, they are legit awesome people. I am also so grateful for finding the jobs I did, I didn’t have to work in a dead end job I hate for the summer, I have done something I love but I am ready for my next adventure.

Another absolutely incredible demonstration of Vaude’s deep and meaningful connection with the environment. This video features some really amazing females outdoor enthusiasts and all round athletes, but also helps us remember to be respectful of wherever we choose to ride and indeed whatever discipline that be in- whether it is Skiing/Snowboarding or MTB and hiking. This respect encompasses our literal environment foot print but also our impact on local wild life and and eco-system of the area.

I very often head to their YouTube page to watch their array of edits and promos as they all have a clear message. I am really loving how strongly they feature empowered females on the channel and this video is a top example.

Whats more you will learn a thing or two about Armenia, I think I speak for all of us when I say we could stand to gather a few more valuable factoids about this clearly beautiful and naturally ore inspiring country.

This is what Vaude had to say:

The Caucasus is perhaps Europe’s last wilderness. The mountain range between Europe and Asia is home to the Caucasus leopard, Europe’s last big cat, and many other endangered species. For over twenty years, the WWF has been helping to protect as much as possible of the Caucasus’ natural regions under threat from people and has been helping to make these areas available to the public for sustainable tourism. A great opportunity for bikers Sylvia Leimgruber and Susanne Huth. Together they set off to see learn about the WWF project and to personally experience the unique hospitality & culture of Armenia.

How is everyone? Well I hope. I thought it was about time to check in with my Summer Training Update Part 2. This is totally something everyone can try and is NO WHERE NEAR AS HARD AS IT SOUNDS.

Recently, on Facebook the world record holder in the plank position showed up on my news feed, it’s like 8hrs or something crazy and I was flabbergasted to say the least. I struggle with my current timings of like a minute so that sounds just mental. Then later purely coincidentally I saw a post about planking for some seconds every day to improve toning and over all vitality. I read it and thought I would customise it to my own training standards (helping get Ski Season Ready). I personally do other exercise as well to aid in free riding but this is totally up to you, it’s simply a hopefully, helping suggestion.

So first before I tell you how to start the plank challenge, let’s review why it can be beneficial for you:

1.) Planking is a body weight exercise that requires no money investment, very little time, no equipment and allows you to see the results happen in a short space of time. That’s all the key ingredients of a good “workout” right? It’s certainly speaking my language!

2.) Planking, in conjunction with many other muscles, allows you to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Your abdominal muscles help strengthen your back and help protect against injury. In the snow sports industry, your back its suck an easy area to damage, so theoretically speaking, strengthen your tummy, help protect your back.

3.) Improve posture. This is ideal for skiers and snowboarders, as better posture means again, spinal strength and another step in the right direction of preventing injury.

4.) Planking is an excellent position to improve balance. Balance is the magic word in skiing and snowboarding. Having total strength and awareness of every muscle makes you so much more adapted to harder tricks and general over all agility in your descent, whether you are on piste or off. This is why I still profess every snow sport enthusiast should be supplementing their days on the hill with a short yoga session. But continuing on that theme, planking helps you isolate your abdominal muscles, your lower and upper back along with your bum! It helps you build on your balance through that inevitable, yet satisfying burn of holding a body weight exercise position.

5.) Get sweating! I don’t know about you guys but planking can certainly help me work up a sweat, especially if a full mixed position 20 min or so work out. Sweating when exercising for me, has a direct line to that illusive part of the brain that releases all the happy hormones. One way to help me feel in control, happy and poised is exercise. Sometimes if i need a little boost, I don;t need to go do a 60 min work out, I can simply do some of my favorite yoga poses or plank for a few minutes. This helps make me feel grounded and overall improves my personal vitality.

Okay so, sounding good so far? I haven’t lost too many of you right? Well then, let’s explain how you can get started right now. Do variations of these poses for as long or as little as you like. Do only a few of them or do all of them.

1.) Basic Plank- Down on your forearms, BUM DOWN and toes on the ground, Nice strong line and hold. Min 20 seconds. increase the amount of time the more confident you get or the more time you have.

Rest 10 Seconds

2.) Basic Push up Position- Palms on the ground, press up position, BUM DOWN and toes on the ground. Nice strong line and hold. Min 20 seconds. Increase the amount of time the more confident you get or the more time you have.

Rest 10 Seconds

3.) Twist Plank- Take the principles from Basic Push Up and twist your hips from side to side. Don’t dip all the way to the ground but stretch left to right so you can feel your external obliques (The lower side muscles in your tummy). Min 20 seconds. Increase the amount of time the more confident you get or the more time you have.

Rest 10 Seconds

4.) Raised Leg Plank- Take the basic principles of the Basic Plank and swap between raising your left leg then your right leg. Keep your weight nice and grounded through the foot touching the ground and the raised leg should be extended out nice and strong.

Rest 10 Seconds

5.) Side Plank- This one is a little more tough balance wise. However once you have it, its great, its probably my favourite now. Keep one palm down on the ground nice and sturdy. Eg, start with left hand palm down then with stability and strength place the left foot on it’s side and stack the right foot on top. Then right arm up in the air, shoulders in line. Then swap over. Another variations of this include; Incorporating a great yoga position is to raise the top foot and leg to a 45* angle to the grounded leg- If you can, grab your big toe of the raised leg with your peace fingers on the extended arm.

THAT IS IT! There are of course many more variations of plank but this is my favourite sequence and already after a short amount of time my stomach feels leaner and it’s great to do while watching a bit of Netflix!

Good news for all you mountain lovers out there. You don’t need to wait until winter to get your adrenaline filled mountain adventures.

Fatmap has now introduced it’s “Summer Maps”! It’s really exciting for hikers and MTBers alike. Providing you with the same bespoke, detailed and easy to use interactive maps but with a much more green back drop!